We paddled out to Spencer's, which is the only island on Ross Lake that doesn't specifically call itself an island. Actually, when we went it wasn't entirely an island because the water level was low enough that you could walk across a narrow piece of land. This was a fact that also led us to be a little more concerned with bears than we may have otherwise been if we were on Cougar Island, Cat Island or Ten Mile Island. Thankfully we encountered no bears (we did have bear spray on hand and also made use of the bear proof container provided at the campsite).

Well... the trip planning that we put in ahead of time for our North Cascades adventure paid off. We had a heck of a time. We kayaked pristine waters, we dived off canyon cliffs, we caught giant rainbow trout, we saw billions of stars shine through near total darkness, we got our butts kicked by a gorgeous but grueling hike, and we had many conversations about life and fatherhood. For me, most importantly, I recharged my batteries and returned home with more energy and capacity to be a fully engaged and patient parent. And that is really why this was so important and why breaks like this are needed. When you find yourself "zoning out" too often as a parent, it's time for a recharge.

While taking pictures of these sentimental heirlooms I have sometimes wondered about my own two sons. I have thought about what it is that I would pass down to them. I do not own anything particularly special that my father gave to me. I do not possess anything from my grandfathers either. I have memories. I have some pictures that I hold dear, but I do not have any particular item. I may actually have that item now though.

This trip is in a month from now so keep an eye out for the post about how it went. Not going to lie but my expectations are very high. We're shooting for "adventure of a lifetime" but I'm willing to settle for "epic trip with best buddy". Also, if this trip is as awesome and manageable as it seems, we might look to bring both of our families next time. But for now it is two dads recharging and getting away from it all (very important part of being the best dad you can be!) Adventure is out there and we are stoked!

One of the benefits of having a Dad blog is that I can share with others some of the things that I think are worth sharing. Now, whether or not you run out and experience those things is up to you. I'd like to think I have good, trustworthy taste but... I'm not without bias. Here are some of my "hot" finds.

So why another dad blog now? Now because we see that the conversation has evolved. Where as a dad blog started 5 years ago would be about fighting the stereotype of the bumbling dad who can’t change a diaper or make a meal without setting himself on fire, now we can go further. We can explore this topic with more nuance...

Dad jokes. It's usually not a compliment to your sense of humor when the word dad is assigned to your joke. What it usually means is that your joke is "lame", overly punny, or just groan inducing. But you know what? My mom taught me the fine art of puns. Dads are just saying what everyone else is thinking but with more word play involved.

This is a brand new blog focused on fatherhood. Launching a new blog is like having a new baby in your arms - exciting and scary and wonderful. We are two dads (one in Seattle and one in the SF Bay Area) that love to discuss all things parenting and pop culture.